Everton, one of the most prestigious football clubs in England, have suffered a gradual downfall in past decades and the supporters have witnessed more managerial alterations over success. The appointment of Marco Silva as the new Toffees boss was a gamble, mainly due to his previous impressive yet short-lived spells with Hull City and Watford. However, the early signs of his management are encouraging, and the Blues of Merseyside are blossoming with some exciting brand of football.
It is still unlikely for them to challenge the Premier League’s ‘big six’ this season, but the young Portuguese tactician is eyeing to become the ‘best’ among the rest and altered a few things that have worked out so far for Everton Football Club.
High Pressing
The Toffees were more defensive under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce that led to criticism and dismissal of the veteran duo. Silva, meanwhile, is focusing more on an aggressive style of play as they used to be during the initial days of Roberto Martinez era.
They are trying to earn recognition as a ‘pressing team’ and have mostly been successful so far with fourth best statistics in the league behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham. Everton are playing this pressing game high up the pitch and spending majority of time in the opposition half which indicates their intent and efficiency to adjust to a new strategy and philosophy.
Finding The Best Suited Role For Sigurdsson
Koeman made a huge mistake by playing Sigurdsson wide when his natural game suits him centrally as a playmaker behind the centre-forward. Silva took little time to understand the same and the Iceland international is now proving to be instrumental in Everton’s early success. He has already netted four times in the league including a long-range stunner that sealed all three points on the road against Leicester City before the international break.
His presence has helped the wing forwards to link-up in the attacking third as well as penetrate more with one-twos, cut insides and crosses from the flanks.
Building It Up From The Back
Although vulnerable while defending set-pieces at times, Everton are trying to build the game up from the back with passing and quick movements. Jordan Pickford, the young Three Lions international has made some howlers but is emerging as a ball-playing goalkeeper with great distribution traits.
England’s majestic opener against Spain in the latest international outing had a great team effort, but it all started with Pickford whose stupendous delivery caught the Spanish defence out of position. This is something the custodian has developed in his game over the past few months which, in turn, is benefitting both his club and country while knocking down the opponents.
